NDOL Increases Prevention, Detection Tools as Unemployment Fraud Schemes Continue

NDOL Increases Prevention, Detection Tools as Unemployment Fraud Schemes Continue

The Nebraska Department of Labor (NDOL, dol.nebraska.gov) is increasing prevention and detection efforts for unemployment fraud schemes that have been prevalent throughout the pandemic, and they are reminding Nebraska residents to be vigilant in watching out for them. These schemes include fraudsters posing as NDOL and other state workforce agencies to solicit personally identifiable information, supposedly for the purpose of collecting unemployment benefits. NDOL has hired additional staff for fraud prevention and detection, including income and identity verification. A new federal requirement for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) is to verify self-employment and identity of claimants. Even if a claim was previously approved, each claimant will be asked to provide additional information.

Unemployment fraud through identity theft has been prevalent nationwide throughout the pandemic. Nebraska residents should be on the lookout for notices indicating a claim was filed in their name. Nationwide, fraudsters are setting up Facebook accounts to mimic state agencies, as well as sending text messages to claimants while fraudulently using state workforce agency names. For their own security, individuals should not give out personal information via social media and messaging platforms. Any individual who received a 1099-G tax form from NDOL but did not file an unemployment claim should report suspected fraud by emailing NDOL.1099fraud@nebraska.gov and filing a police report. Anyone who receives a written determination letter from NDOL without applying for benefits should immediately report the incident to the state.

For more information about the Nebraska Department of Labor fraud prevention and detection program or to report suspicious activity, visit dol.nebraska.gov.